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Southwest Pasta Salad

This Southwest Pasta Salad is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that's perfect for any occasion. With fresh vegetables, hearty black beans, and a zesty lime dressing, it's a crowd-pleaser that's both delicious and easy to prepare. Enjoy it at your next picnic, BBQ, or as a healthy meal any day of the week!

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Chilling Time
1 hr
Total Time
1 hr 27 mins
Servings: 8
Calories: 436 kcal
Course: Side Dish , Salad
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 1 pound fusili pasta or penne
  • 15 ounces black beans rinsed and drained, 1 can
  • 15 ounces corn drained
  • 2 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 medium green bell pepper chopped
  • ½ medium red onion chopped
  • ½ cup fresh cilantro chopped
  • 1 medium Jalapeno pepper seeded and minced
  • ½ cup cotija cheese or feta, crumbled
For Dressing
  • ¼ cup lime juice
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, black beans, corn, red and green bell peppers, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeno pepper. Toss to combine.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, garlic, honey, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  4. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss to coat.
  5. Sprinkle the crumbled cotija cheese over the top of the pasta salad.
  6. Cover the pasta salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight) before serving.

Notes

  • Pasta: Any type of pasta can work in this recipe. Fusilli, penne, or bowtie are great options.
  • Cheese: Cotija is suggested for an authentic flavor, but feta or crumbled goat cheese can also be used.
  • Heat Level: Adjust the spice level to your liking. For a milder salad, omit the jalapeno pepper or remove the seeds and ribs.
  • Protein: Feel free to add in grilled chicken, shrimp, or bacon for extra protein.
  • Make Ahead: This salad tastes even better when made ahead of time. Let it chill in the fridge for at least an hour, but overnight is best for flavor melding.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Stir before serving.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1serving Calories 436kcal (22%) Carbohydrates 71g (24%) Protein 16g (32%) Fat 11g (17%) Saturated Fat 3g (15%) Polyunsaturated Fat 2g Monounsaturated Fat 6g Cholesterol 8mg (3%) Sodium 120mg (5%) Potassium 584mg (17%) Fiber 9g (36%) Sugar 6g (12%) Vitamin A 581IU (12%) Vitamin C 29mg (32%) Calcium 88mg (9%) Iron 3mg (17%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 436

% Daily Value*

Serving 1serving
Calories 436kcal 22%
Carbohydrates 71g 24%
Protein 16g 32%
Fat 11g 17%
Saturated Fat 3g 15%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g 12%
Monounsaturated Fat 6g 30%
Cholesterol 8mg 3%
Sodium 120mg 5%
Potassium 584mg 12%
Fiber 9g 36%
Sugar 6g 12%
Vitamin A 581IU 12%
Vitamin C 29mg 32%
Calcium 88mg 9%
Iron 3mg 17%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.